GE 92696 CMH20/TC/U/830 G8.5

GE 92696 ConstantColor® PulseArc CMH-TC 20W – 1,650 lm | 3000K | 81 CRI | G8.5 Bi-Pin | ANSI M156 | 12,000 Hours | Enclosed Fixture Only

The GE 92696 is a 20W pulse-start ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamp from the GE ConstantColor® PulseArc series, delivering 1,650 initial lumens at 3000K (Warm White) with 81 CRI through a T4.5 tubular clear envelope on a G8.5 bi-pin base (8.5mm pin spacing — not GU6.5 twist-lock). It requires a dedicated ANSI M156 pulse-start electronic ballast and must be installed in an enclosed fixture only. If the outer envelope is damaged while the arc tube continues to operate, a UV radiation hazard exists — replace immediately. The lamp contains mercury. Please verify ballast code, base type, and fixture enclosure before ordering.

Technical Specifications

Product Overview

The GE 92696 is a 20W G8.5 ceramic metal halide lamp from the ConstantColor® PulseArc CMH series, designed for compact enclosed CMH fixtures in retail display, gallery accent, and architectural downlight applications. The 3000K warm white output at 81 CRI provides color-accurate illumination well-suited to merchandise, jewelry, and artwork display, while the compact T4.5 clear envelope and 30mm light center length (LCL) deliver precise optical alignment in the small-format fixtures this lamp is designed for.

GE ConstantColor technology uses a ceramic (polycrystalline alumina) arc tube that maintains stable 3000K color output throughout the lamp’s 12,000-hour life, avoiding the progressive color shift that affects quartz metal halide lamps as they age. This makes it a practical choice for retail and gallery installations where color consistency across a mixed array of lamps at different burn hours is important.

The G8.5 bi-pin base (8.5mm pin spacing, push-in) is distinct from the GU6.5 twist-lock base used on the GE 85086 20W CMH variant. Both lamps share the same wattage and CCT but are physically incompatible with each other’s sockets — confirm the fixture socket type before ordering. An ANSI M156 electronic pulse-start ballast is required; this ANSI code is specific to the 20W CMH G8.5 platform and is not interchangeable with other CMH ballast codes.

Compatible Applications

• Compact CMH downlights with G8.5 20W enclosed fixtures
• Retail display and track accent heads (G8.5 platform)
• Gallery and museum accent luminaires
• Hospitality and restaurant compact accent fixtures
• Any enclosed G8.5 ANSI M156 20W 3000K CMH lamp position

Before Ordering – Verify

• Base type: This lamp has a G8.5 push-in bi-pin base (8.5mm pin spacing). It is not compatible with GU6.5 twist-lock sockets. Both bases appear in 20W CMH lamp families and look similar — confirm the fixture socket is specifically G8.5 push-in bi-pin before ordering. For GU6.5 twist-lock fixtures, see GE 85086 (CMH20T/U/830/GU6.5).
• ANSI ballast code: This lamp requires a pulse-start ANSI M156 electronic ballast. It is not compatible with probe-start ballasts, quartz MH ballasts, or CMH ballasts coded for other ANSI designations. Reported compatible ballasts (unverified): GE 63042 GEMH20-MSJ-MV; GE 63043 GEMH20-MSF-MV. Confirm ballast compatibility with your supplier before specifying.
• Enclosed fixture required: This lamp must be installed in an enclosed fixture with UV shielding. If the outer envelope is cracked or punctured while the arc tube continues to operate, the exposed arc tube emits shortwave UV radiation capable of causing serious skin burns and eye inflammation. Inspect the outer envelope before each ignition; replace immediately if damaged.
• Voltage: The 90V lamp operating voltage is supplied by the ballast from building power. Never connect this lamp directly to line voltage.
• LCL precision: The 30mm (±2mm) light center length is a precision optical parameter for compact fixture alignment; confirm LCL compatibility with the fixture’s optical design before substituting lamps from different manufacturers.
• Color temperature: This lamp is 3000K (Warm White). Confirm this matches all other lamps in the installation; mixing 3000K and 4000K CMH sources in adjacent fixtures produces visible color inconsistency.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

• This lamp contains mercury; do not dispose of in municipal solid waste — recycle through a certified lamp recycling program in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• UV radiation hazard: If the outer envelope is cracked or punctured while the lamp is energized, the exposed arc tube emits shortwave UV radiation that can cause severe skin burns and eye inflammation. Inspect the lamp before each use; replace immediately if envelope damage is found. The fixture must remain fully enclosed at all times during operation.
• Allow a full cool-down period after de-energizing before accessing the lamp; CMH lamps operate at extreme temperatures (up to 400°C bulb surface, 250°C base)
• Do not handle the outer bulb with bare skin; oils from contact accelerate devitrification. Use clean cotton gloves or handle by the base. If contact occurs, clean with isopropyl alcohol before operation.
• Allow a standard CMH hot restart cool-down interval following any power interruption before re-striking
• The G8.5 ceramic socket must be rated for 250°C; confirm socket rating before installation
• Check applicable state shipping regulations for mercury-containing lamps before ordering in quantity

Compliance

• ANSI M156 Certified (Pulse-Start CMH)
• Enclosed fixture with UV shielding mandatory
• Contains mercury — subject to federal and state lamp disposal and recycling regulations
• RoHS compliance: verify with GE/Current if required for project specification

Ordering Information

• Order Code / MPN: 92696
• UPC: 043168926966
• ANSI: M156
• Base: G8.5 Bi-Pin (push-in, 8.5mm) — for GU6.5 twist-lock equivalent, see GE 85086
• Reported cross-references (unverified — confirm before substitution): Philips CDM-TC 20W/830 G8.5; Osram HCI-TC 20W/830 WDL G8.5; Sylvania MC20T4/U/G8.5/830

For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement lamp, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.